It's the first time Korea is hosting the International Congress of Mathematicians, which has been held every four years since 1897.
Organizers of the Seoul Congress say Korea's rapid development in the field of mathematics was a major reason it was awarded the global event.
This was also reflected in the decision to have a Korean mathematician deliver a keynote speech.
Under the slogan, "Dreams and Hopes for Late Starters," this year's host nation has also offered grants to nearly 1-thousand mathematicians from developing countries so they can participate.
President Park Geun-hye, at the opening ceremony, highlighted the role mathematics plays in the development of humanity.

(Korean: )
"We have entered an era of creation and innovation where a person's creativity and ideas can change the world. Our future leaders should learn these creative, logical and reasonable ways of thinking through mathematics."
(" , , .")

The president also talked about the need to bridge the gap between the academia of mathematics and the general public.

(Korean: )
"I hope mathematics will become more familiar and easier to understand for the young generation and the general public."
(" .")

To achieve that very goal, a list of events, such as a special lecture by James Simons, a mathematician-turned-hedge fund manager, and an open meeting with a laureate of the Congress' distinguished Fields Medal, are lined up.
The event will run at COEX, southern Seoul until August 21st.
Choi You-sun, Arirang News.